While there’s little doubt that the dining inside your hotel or resort will be top-notch, you should experience the full range of culinary experiences Mexico offers. This country is home to arguably the greatest culture of street food in the world, and tasting it is as simple as a quick stop between shops or museums. While there isn’t enough room in your stomach to try every single cart or stand, here are a few quintessential antojitos you need to savor.

Tacos - Perhaps nothing is more iconic of Mexican cuisine than tacos. Of course, these aren’t the mass-produced replicas of chain restaurants; here they’re the real deal. While variations exist based on which state of Mexico you’re in, every taco will likely consist of a warm corn tortilla (often hand-made), tender meat, and a smattering of fresh vegetables, fruits and salsas.

Tamales - Originating in Oaxaca, tamales today can be found and enjoyed all throughout Mexico. Composed of a thick steamed corn dough wrapped in either banana leaves or corn husks, the true treat of tamales is the stuffing: you can find anything from chicken mole to cheese to sweet pineapple inside.

Sopes and Gorditas - Sopes and gorditas are essentially two sides of the same coin: the same delicious corn dough with slight variations in preparation. Gorditas are when the corn dough is fried, then stuffed with meats, beans and cheeses and topped off with delectable salsas and creams. Sopes are the exact same thing, except all of the stuffings go on top of the corn patty, thus making them “toppings.” It may seem like a trivial difference, but you’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to choose between the two!

Tostadas - At first glance, Tostadas look like a mix between a taco and a pizza, but there’s more flavor there than meets the eye. The base is a crisp, salty tortilla that is gratuitously topped with anything from pork to cows’ foot to ceviche or fresh fish. Those traveling to Oaxaca should be sure to try a tlayuda, a huge tostada smothered in chocolate mole sauce, then topped with a salad and meat of your choice before finally being sprinkled with world-famous stringy Oaxaca cheese.

Elotes and Esquites - Elotes and Esquites are essentially the same food, prepared differently. Elotes is sweetcorn, served on a stick and smothered in mayonnaise, cream and chili. Esquites is sweetcorn cut from the cob, mixed with cream, lime juice, mayonnaise and chili inside a plastic cup. Either version is by far and away one of the tastiest options for enjoying Mexican street food.

Comotes - If you’re in Mexico City, you’ll want to try camotes fresh from a stand or cart. Camotes are plantains and sweet potatoes steamed, and then served with strawberry jam and condensed milk. If you can’t tell where they are by the crowds they draw, then listen for the distinct whistle of steam escaping the pot.

[email protected] visits Mexico 2+ times per year and it remains one of  her favorite destinations.  Contact Chris to learn more and start planning your trip to this wonderful destination!
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The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially announced that Mexico is now the sixth most visited country in the world. The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) originally announced the news in April, but the UNWTO confirmed the country welcomed 39.3 million international visitors (a 12 percent increase), which catapulted Mexico from eighth to sixth overall.  Mexico’s growth as a tourist hotspot is incredible. Since being ranked the 15th most visited destination in 2013, the country has jumped 62 percent to its sixth-place ranking. The increase was the fastest of any large global destination.

“Mexico’s historic ascent on the list of the world’s most visited countries is a testament to the fact that Mexico is indeed a world of its own, and one that people want to discover again and again,” Mexico Secretary of Tourism Enrique de la Madrid said in a statement. “We are proud of everything Mexico, and the more than 10 million Mexicans working in this industry, have to offer visitors. I am confident that this positive momentum will continue as more people discover the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer.

There are many reasons behind the blockbuster growth of Mexico, including the development of new and existing destinations, the diversification of tourism products and improved partnerships with airlines and hotels.  To continue the nation’s growth, the Mexico Tourism Board is working with industry partners in the United States and Canada to host unique events and experiences, such as Formula 1, the NFL and the FIFA World Cup 2026

I visit Mexico at least twice per year.  It is a favorite destination for both myself and my family! Not to mention lots of my honeymoon and destination wedding clients!!

​Contact me for ideas on best ways to visit and to start planning today! [email protected]
919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837

The Luxe Report, uncovered five trends – all with an overarching movement toward personalization – shaping how upscale travelers will roam the world in 2019.

1. Motivation: Social media's influence is unmistakable, as it drives travelers' desire to find the most captivating backdrops and the best time of day for snapping images. Clients are requesting on-site photography sessions to create Instagram-worthy content, including replicating shots they admired online. Travel advisors are arranging themed photoshoots characteristic of destinations, such as wearing traditional geisha attire in Kyoto or ball gowns in Venice.
2. Transportation: When flying commercial, airlines with state-of-the-art business and first-class cabins are a favorite. Upon landing, VIP airport arrival services that whisk travelers through customs and ease tight connections are growing in demand. Requests are on the rise for private helicopter transfers to and from airports as well as from one city or resort island to another.
3. Accommodation: Experiential travelers who have seen it all are craving stays in unconventional accommodations. Those range from a treehouse to a monastery to an igloo in Norway, a tent in the Moroccan desert, the shores of the Red Sea, and even a bubble nestled in nature so they can gaze at stars before drifting off to sleep.
4. Recreation: People want to explore their passions through bucket-list experiences. Sports fans are asking for tickets to major events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl and Wimbledon. Art aficionados are inquiring about private tours of locales like the Vatican after hours. Shoppers want appointments at high-end stores such as Hermès to purchase signature items like a Birkin bag. Music lovers are booking trips to summer festivals and concerts. Advisors are also arranging private dinners with influential local figures.
5. Conservation: Travelers are expressing heightened interest in animal-related experiences. Some request visits to animal protection facilities or to observe animals in the wild, such as whale watching and viewing rhinos at close range. Some want to interact more directly with animals, such as at the Giraffe House in Nairobi or dog sledding to the North Pole. They also exhibit concern for animal welfare and want to ensure that interactions are sustainable.  

Exploring new destinations is the prevailing travel motivator for 2019, and Japan tops the list of emerging destinations for the first time, having previously finished third and fifth in 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Multigenerational travel maintains its stronghold as the hottest trend for 2019, a position it has held every year but one since 2011. Italy continues its reign as the top global destination as well as the leader for family travel, honeymoons and Millennial travel.

Contact [email protected] to learn more and start planning your customized trip today! 919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837

The numbers are growing at a dizzying rate. From 2013 through 2017, the nation saw a 62 percent increase in visitor traffic, the fastest growth rate of any large global destination. “We are very proud of having reached, for the first time in our history, the sixth-most-visited country in the world,” said Mexico Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid speaking to an audience of travel agents during a Mark Travel Corporation webinar.

Accordingly, infrastructure is also expanding, including welcoming 15,000 to 20,000 new hotel rooms every year. “Just last semester, 7,000 new rooms were inaugurated [in Mexico],” said de la Madrid.
He also noted that the CEOs of Marriott and Hilton hotels have committed to adding 43 new properties in Mexico in the next two to three years.

Connectivity to the nation is also increasing. In 2017, some 18.6 million international visitors arrived by air. For 2018 alone, the country has already welcomed 4,600 new flights, including new service from Chicago to Mazatlan, Denver to Cozumel, Los Angeles to Acapulco and Seattle to Mexico City.

Mexico’s transformation into global tourism star has not come without its challenges, including an ongoing concern over visitor safety.  Mexico’s tourism industry has vowed to take a harder line on people and organizations spreading mis-information about the country.The Mark Travel Corporation webinar, which also featured tourism updates from area convention and visitors bureaus, was designed to help answer travel agents concerns and questions about these issues.

“[Mexico] is a fantastic destination and [one] that has been important to our company for over 30 years,” said host Ray Snisky, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of The Mark Travel Corporation, before introducing Secretary de la Madrid. “It is the passion, warmth and graciousness of the people of Mexico that really makes that destination unique.”
“There’s a lot of misinformation [about Mexico] right now.” Snisky said, and that having the right information would transition into clarity and energy for travel agents selling Mexico.
During the webinar, Secretary de la Madrid addressed travel agent concerns about safety.
In the last update of the U.S. State Department,” he said, “there is basically no major touristic destination [in Mexico] that has any travel advisory.”

He noted that as of last August there were two visitor destinations with warnings, which went away with the update of the State Department Advisory system in January. He also clarified that the new system has four qualification levels. “Number 1, I suppose, being paradise,” he said, “[while Number 2] is all the normal countries around the world, where they put Mexico but they also put the UK, France and Spain. Just remember France is the number one tourist destination worldwide and Spain is number two, so we have the same qualification as those two destinations.”

He also told agents to remember that while Mexico frequently appears in the media over sensationalistic stories about violence, those stories are mostly drug-related. “Tourists coming to Mexico are not the target of this violence and they are not impacted, mainly, by this violence.” He pointed out that zero homicides in Cancun last year involved tourists.

He also added a little context, pointing out that Mexico is not too different than what happens in other parts of the world, or what happens in the U.S. The general crime rates generally do not have an impact on visitors to those destinations.

Despite the relatively low impact on visitors, Mexico’s tourism industry is taking these concerns seriously. A number of safety improvements have been implemented in Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is locatd, for example. In April, said de la Madrid, Los Cabos saw its homicide rate drop by 80 percent.
Mexico is following a similar safety model in Quintana Roo, which is home to some of the nation’s top visitor destinations, including Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Riviera Maya.

The measures, which are being spearheaded by state and local authorities as well as the tourism industry include an increased police presence at area beaches and on the roads. Also, additional metal detectors are being installed in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and there’s also a new mobile site for visitor safety.

De la Madrid also addressed last year’s allegations of tainted alcohol being served in some of the top resort areas. “Not a single claim of tainted alcohol consumption has ever been proven true,” he said. “There was [however] evidence of a combination of excessive drinking and there was evidence of drugs.” He has also said Mexico will no longer “tolerate” any case where information being spread is false. Out of a desire to not to harm anyone’s reputation, Mexico was slow to point a finger at the accusers’ use of excessive drugs and alcohol. “But the reputation [we want to harm least] is ours,” he said.

He also recognized some media and other parties were frustrated with Mexico’s slow response, as the tourism industry tried to piece together what happened and said this was a mistake Mexico will not repeat.
Mexico will implement a management system in order to investigate situations more quickly. “We are trying to provide information soon, even if it is not yet complete,” he said. “That’s something we are working on.”

He said Mexico was keeping a careful eye on a report from the CDC that has called “binge drinking” an epidemic in the United States. This is something that obviously could affect Mexico, which welcomes more than 20 million American visitors every year. More training will also be provided to hotel personnel, teaching front line staff to stop serving alcohol to guests who are clearly inebriated. “They are not obliged to give these guests more alcohol,” he said.

De la Madrid also asked travel agents and other partners who do business in Mexico, to help set the record straight and be more proactive about sharing accurate information. He also recommended that travel agents stay educated about Mexico so they can become experts on selling the country. 

Other speakers during the Mark Travel webinar include Jorge Tellez, Promotion Director, The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau; Julio Birrueta, Director of the Mazatlán Tourism Board; Elvira Moncayo, Public Relations, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board; Marc Murphy, Director General, Riviera Nayarit; and Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director, Los Cabos Tourism Board.

Personally, Mexico is one of my favorite destinations. As an all inclusive expert and honeymoon, destination wedding specialist, I travel there often. Contact me any time to learn more and book your Mexico vacation.  You get personal professional accessible service for the same price as doing it all yourself! [email protected]

A new survey revealed travelers are taking more solo vacations to get away from longer working hours, constant digital contact and increasing obligations.
​
The study conducted by YouGov and Agoda found that 61 percent of respondents said relaxation and time to unwind was the number one motivator for solo leisure travel. Another 52 percent said getting away from routine was a top motivator and 45 percent wanted to explore new cultures.

The 'Solo Travel Trends 2018 survey also found some stark differences between Asian and Western travelers. Solo tourists from Asia are more likely to be younger, with 41 percent being Millennials and 38 percent being Generation Zers. On the other hand, solo travel in the west is more common among Baby Boomers (39 percent) and Generation Xers (24 percent).

​In addition, western solo tourists are more likely to travel for longer periods, with 34 percent taking trips for 4-7 nights. Travelers from the west are also twice as likely to go on trips of 14 nights or more (20 percent versus 10 percent.) The biggest trend among business, leisure or b-leisure solo travelers is most are visiting cosmopolitan cities around the world, including London, Tokyo, Bangkok, Sydney, New York City and more.

While traveling alone should help people unwind, solo leisure travelers spend 15 percent more time in front of their laptops and phones than when travelers are with friends and 26 percent more time than if they are with family.

Love the idea of traveling solo, but worried you will get bored and spend too much time with your device?  Consider joining a small group of other independent travelers.  For more information contact [email protected]

In a continuing effort to keep sargassum from hitting land, an additional 27-kilometers of the seaweed barriers have been placed along the beaches in Riviera Maya.

Comercializadora Chaktumen of Quintana Roo, the company installing the barriers, completed the task on Thursday. The extra containment barriers won’t be placed in just one location, but added in sections of 500 or 1,000 meters in front of the most affected beaches during sargassum season.

According to the Riviera Maya News, the municipalities of Cancun, Mahahual, Puerto Morelos and Tulum, along with the old town of Playa del Carmen to the south of Punta Venado, are all considered high-priority locations for the barriers to be placed.

“We do not know the volumes nor the exact sites to which the marine vegetation will arrive, but the objective is to guarantee that the beaches are clean and available for tourism and that the balance of the environment is also ensured,” said Alfredo Arellano, Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo.

Arellano also added that even with the additional barriers in place, regular maintenance and cleaning will still need to be done to ensure the beaches are sargassum free. Vehicles equipped with vacuum suction will be brought in to remove piled seaweed already on land.

With these extra barriers added, those already hard at work clearing the seaweed and the two sargassum boats the US sent over to help with cleaning efforts, there’s no reason tourists should let sargassum deter them from these popular Mexican Caribbean destinations.

The entire Cancun region is a great spot with friendly people, impeccable service and beautiful resorts.  Contact All Inclusive Vacation Expert & Mexico Specialist, Chris Rakes to learn more and plan your Riviera Mayan vacation!

Mexico continues to rise the ranks among the world's most-visited destinations, ranking sixth globally after hosting more than 39 million international tourists in 2017.
Nonetheless, the Mexico Tourism Board is out to set the record straight regarding recent reports linked to the U.S. State Department's updated travel advisory system, which ranked Mexico as a "level 2" country where travelers should "exercise increased caution" when it debuted earlier this year.
However, level 2 was also assigned to destinations like Germany, France and the U.K. and the board points out that the advisory exempts major international tourist destinations across the country, including those in states with higher levels in the advisory.
"While Mexico faces challenges with crime and violence like many countries around the world today, the overwhelming majority of those incidents are related to Mexican individuals," the Mexico Tourism Board said in a statement. "In the very rare recent cases where foreigners have been impacted, the majority of the cases found that those individuals were involved in suspicious or criminal activity not associated with tourism."
So far in 2018, the U.S. State Department hasn't issued a single alert recommending against travel to Mexico. "Our main concern comes from the fact that the crime, violence and other statistics used are those for a country overall, not related to the number of incidents that impact foreign visitors," the board stated in January.
In its ongoing effort to eliminate any remaining doubt about visitor safety, Mexican officials are taking a proactive approach to reducing risks and ensuring travelers return home satisfied.
Enhanced security measures already taken in Quintana Roo include 24-hour surveillance at the maritime terminals of Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, additional metal detectors and an added police presence with specially-trained canine units.
Other upgrades include investments in technology to assist in the communication of security personnel with hotels and tour operators and close coordination between the entire tourism industry with the municipal police and other authorities in order to report any suspicious activity and take appropriate actions.
"Mexico is a safe, friendly and welcoming destination and one that is growing faster than the global industry average for more than five years in a row," the board states.
As Mexico continues to draw and win over more and more visitors, safety and security will remain a top priority. The destination is also working to boost travel infrastructure through new hotel and resort openings as well as added airline routes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEXICO AND THE BEST PLACES TO STAY, CONTACT [email protected]

Rome is called the Eternal City because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, or how many empires rose or fell, that Rome would go on forever. The enduring quality of the city continues to this day and it’s no surprise with all its beauty and intrigue that Rome remains one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world.

Getting around the city is easy. There’s walking, the metro, or one of Rome’s hop-on-hop-off narrated bus tours. To truly experience the magic of Rome, these are the experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

Tour the Colosseum
No matter how many times you view photos of Rome’s iconic and magnificent Colosseum, seeing it in person is amazing due to its sheer enormity. Gladiators once fought in this massive stadium, built in 70 A.D. The amphitheater is incredibly impressive from the exterior, but walking through its interior is a must. Although ravaged by time and human destruction, what remains powerfully echoes the glory and grandeur of Rome. We were astonished by its intricate underground infrastructures that supported the staged spectacles above. One word of advice is to arrive early in the morning or book a tour for front-of-the-line privileges.

​Walk the Roman Forum
There’s something humbling yet magical about walking in the footsteps of Rome’s emperors like Caesar Augustus. The Roman Forum flourished as the center of Roman life in the days of the Republic and early Empire. Though much of the ruins are mere shells of the original temples, arches, and basilicas, what remains is both moving and archaeologically fascinating. Climbing nearby Palatine Hill provided spectacular panoramic views of the Roman and Imperial Forums, Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum.

Visit the Vatican Museum
The glories of the ancient and medieval world are on display in the lavish papal palace known as the Vatican Museum. It can be overwhelming to decide what to see due to its enormity. Having a guidebook is a tremendous help. Arriving early is imperative to beat the crowds. Filled with a treasure trove of statues, mummies, tapestries and Renaissance art, every room provides another awe-inspiring experience. No matter how many times we’ve visited, our favorite showstopper remains Michelangelo’s painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The astonishing achievement took four years to complete as the artist laid flat on scaffolding while creating this magnificent work of art.

See St. Peter’s Basilica
From the Sistine Chapel, there’s a time-saving shortcut leading to another world-renowned site, St. Peter’s Basilica. Considered the holiest shrine of the Catholic Church, the basilica is built on the site of St. Peter’s tomb. The Pope delivers Mass within its glorious walls and Bernini’s massive bronze canopy towers over the altar. The basilica also contains Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. The marble statue, completed when he was only 24 years old, depicts a grieving Mary cradling her crucified son Jesus.
Be aware, the Vatican adheres to a dress code.

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Rome is the city of fountains—and there are thousands. But, its most treasured and famous is the Trevi Fountain. Legend proclaims that if you throw a coin in the fountain, right hand over left shoulder, it ensures your return to Rome. True or not, there’s a lot of coin tossing happening at this exquisitely sculpted, ever-flowing Baroque masterpiece.

Explore the Jewish Quarter
One of the most underappreciated places to see and explore in Rome is the Jewish Quarter. From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Rome’s Jewish population was forced to live in the cramped ghetto along the Tiber River. While the medieval Jewish ghetto no longer exists, the quarter is still home to Rome’s Jewish community. The Great Synagogue of Rome sits impressively in the heart of the former seven-acre ghetto.
The most fascinating sights to behold in the quarter are the colonnaded ruins of the Portico of Octavia and nearby ancient Teatro di Marcello.
​
Experience the Pantheon at Night
Rome after dark transforms into a magical wonderland. Many of its iconic sights are illuminated, but there’s something special about viewing the Pantheon, Rome’s most preserved monument at night.
The Pantheon was a Roman temple dedicated to the gods. Original structures burned, but the current temple dates back to 120 A.D. It was a wonderful surprise the first time we came upon it accidentally at night. The interior is a must-see during the day. However, it’s unexpected majestic presence when turning the corner after dark is always an unforgettable experience.

Wining and Dining in Rome
The Italians are masters of the art of fine food. Truth be told, we haven’t had anything but great cuisine and good wine in Rome. Ambiance makes a huge difference. Most dining establishments have outdoor seating—a huge criterion for us each time we visit. It’s hard to beat dining overlooking flowing fountains and surrounded by ancient history. For visitors that truly want to tap into the region’s specialties, there are a few must-tries. Spaghetti alla carbonara (consisting of an egg and bacon sauce), carciofi alla guiuda (Jewish-style artichokes), and gnocchi alla romana (Italian dumplings) are well-known mouth-watering Roman dishes. No meal is complete without wine—even the basic house wine (vino della casa) is usually a good choice. Roman desserts are delectable. When tummies are too full for tiramisu or another sweet treat, there’s always gelato—which can be found everywhere throughout the city.

Italian painter and architect Giotto di Bondone said, “Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.” Perhaps it’s why each time you visit you yearn for the moment of return.